Looks like Apple is making its move from using lightning ports on iPhones to a universally used USB-C connector from next year. This information was put forth in the Power On newsletter from reputed Apple analyst Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. Apparently, this move may seem like Apple is switching to USB-C to conform with the European Union’s mandate but this move puts Apple a year ahead of when the mandate swings into action in autumn 2024.
Apple switching to USB-C a year in advance than the EU’s mandate
According to the newsletter, Apple is expected to switch to a USB-C port on its iPhone 15 series next year. It puts it a year ahead of when the EU mandate on using USB-C ports on iPhones will go into action in 2024. Apparently, this move would ensure that it moved to use USB-C on its terms and not because the EU made it mandatory to do so.
Apple still has almost two years to get its products with a lightning port in the market since the EU mandate is effective only in autumn 2024 and applicable to newly sold products. However, switching to USB-C at the last possible moment may not go well for Apple as it doesn’t want to fold due to a mandate.
The company was vocal about the EU’s mandate stating that such strict regulations wouldn’t just hurt innovation but consumers in Europe and elsewhere. In any case, Gurman believes that giving iPhones the much-asked-for USB-C ports earlier than it had to, will eventually put the company in limelight as the one which doesn’t fold.
Gurman further added that even if Apple had to use USB-C ports on its iPhones and other products, it would be a short stint as the giant is looking after a wireless-first future. It already has iPhones with wireless charging and not forget the Apple Watch among others that are compatible with wireless charging systems such as MagSafe. Apple will eventually remove the USB-C port giving way for a wireless-only charging system which has been speculated for a long time now.
Apple is set to roll out the iPad with USB-C ports this year while the iPhone 15 series will make its way next year. This would leave AirPods, Magic Trackpad, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Mouse with lightning ports. Gradually, these devices will get their hands on USB-C ports as well.
As of now, it remains to be seen when Apple actually starts making the transition. Apple Macbooks and iPad Pros have already made their move to a speedier USB-C port which means other devices would join the wagon soon. It is also because the USB 2.0-based Lightning Port is becoming a thing of the past and with the growing requirements for higher bandwidth such as to process 48MP RAW images on the iPhone 14 series, newer USB standards would make a lot of sense.
